Rotational alignment of interchangeable loupes

ABSTRACT

Rotational alignment apparatus and methods for interchangeable loupe telescope(s) are provided. Some embodiments include an indexing ring including a projection. The ring is fixed to the telescope upon rotational alignment of the telescope. The alignment may involve use of a laser and test fixture. The projection mates with a corresponding indexing notch of a loupe anchoring device. Loupes may comprise one or more anchor assemblies, and one or more interchangeable telescope assemblies. The interchangeable telescope assemblies are held to the anchor assemblies by magnetic attraction between one or more magnets and/or one or more magnetic components affixed to corresponding surfaces of the corresponding assemblies. Mating of the projection with the notch ensures appropriate relative rotational alignment of the assemblies.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/477,558 filed on Mar. 28, 2017, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to optical devices. Morespecifically, the disclosure relates to wearable visual aids,particularly loupes.

BACKGROUND

Loupes devices are used to perform hands-on precision dental andsurgical procedures, as well as in other areas where high resolutionvisual information is desirable (e.g., biology, electronics assembly andinspection, gemology, tool sharpening, or photography). Loupes provideprofessionals with magnified views of precision-requiring procedureswhile simultaneously freeing hands to perform the procedures. Dentists,surgeons and other practitioners often employ the use of binocularloupes mounted on glasses, either as flip-up types over lenses orembedded directly in specialized carrier lenses. Loupe devices may allowa practitioner to stand further away from a work area or site. Loupescan therefor improve a practitioner's posture, which, in turn, candecrease the practitioner's occupational strain (see, e.g., Friedman,Mark J. “Magnification in a restorative dental practice: from loupes tomicroscopes”. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry—Jamesburg,N.J.: 1995 25(1) 48, 50, 53-55).

Often, a medical, dental, or other practitioner uses differentmagnifications for different procedures. The practitioner may alsodemand increasing power as his/her career progresses. For example, atypical dental procedure may be served by a magnification of 2.5×magnification, in practice, dental loupes generally provide anywherefrom 2× to 8× magnification.

Upon assembly of a lens therewithin, a telescope or ocular of a loupedevice defines an optical axis. The optical axis should ideally bepositioned exactly through the center of the ocular, but often mayexhibit a slight deviation from the true center. Many oculars exhibit anoptical axis deviation of as much as 0.5 degrees. At a typical workingdistance of about 18 inches, this deviation of 0.5 degrees can translateinto as much as about 4 mm deviation, which can have adverseconsequences when attempting to perform precision medical or other work.

To ensure optimal functionality of the loupe device or ocular, it wouldbe desirable to minimize adverse effects of deviation on apractitioner's magnified visual field-of-view.

The present disclosure embodies solutions to the aforementionedproblems. It is an object of the disclosure to provide apparatus andmethods for accommodating multiple magnification levels in a loupedevice that is effective, reliable, practical, and easy-to-use. It isfurther an object of the disclosure to provide methods and apparatus forreducing diplopia or double vision in a loupe device that includes areleasably attached telescope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying line drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with the principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative partial cross-sectional view of apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of apparatus shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIGS.1-4 and illustrative reference information associated with theconfiguration;

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIG. 1and illustrative reference information associated with theconfiguration;

FIG. 8 shows illustrative apparatus and illustrative referenceinformation in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIGS.8 and 9;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative configuration of apparatus shown in FIG.10 and illustrative reference information associated with theconfiguration;

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative process in accordance with the principlesof the disclosure;

FIG. 13A shows illustrative apparatus and illustrative referenceinformation in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; and

FIG. 13B shows illustrative apparatus and illustrative referenceinformation in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an interchangeableloupe device comprising: an anchor (or alternatively, anchoring)assembly; a telescope assembly defining a central longitudinal axis, anoptical axis and a field-of-view plane, the field-of-view plane having ahorizontal axis and a vertical axis and wherein the optical axisdeviates from the central longitudinal axis, and the telescope assemblyis rotatable about the central longitudinal axis to an orientation suchthat deviation of the optical axis is oriented along the horizontal axisof the field-of-view plane; and wherein the telescope assembly comprisesa geometric feature that is configured to mate with a correspondinggeometric feature in the anchor assembly and thereby fix orientation ofthe deviation of the optical axis along the horizontal axis.

Preferred features include: wherein deviation of the optical axis issufficient to cause more than 0.5 prism diopters of vertical imbalanceto a practitioner using the interchangeable loupe device at a workingdistance of 0.3 to 0.7 meters.

Preferred features include: wherein the geometric feature comprises aprotrusion and the corresponding geometric feature comprises a notchconfigured to receive the protrusion.

Preferred features include: wherein the telescope assembly is held tothe anchor assembly by magnetic attraction between a first magneticelement of the telescope assembly and a second magnetic element of theanchor assembly.

Preferred features include: wherein the first magnetic element comprisesa steel ring.

Preferred features include: wherein the steel ring comprises thegeometric feature.

Preferred features include: wherein the steel ring is configured to befixed to the telescope assembly after orienting deviation of the opticalaxis along the horizontal axis.

Preferred features include: wherein the geometric feature is externallyvisible after the geometric feature of the telescope assembly mates withthe corresponding geometric feature of the anchor assembly.

Preferred features include: wherein the telescope assembly is a firsttelescope assembly, the loupe device further comprising a secondtelescope assembly.

Preferred features include: wherein the first telescope assemblyprovides a first magnification level; and the second telescope assemblyprovides a second magnification level.

Preferred features include: wherein the first telescope assembly isconfigured to mate with the anchor assembly; and the second telescopeassembly is configured to mate with the anchor assembly.

Preferred features include: wherein the anchor assembly is a firstanchor assembly; the first telescope assembly is configured to mate withthe first anchor assembly; and the second telescope assembly isconfigured to mate with a second anchor assembly.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides: a loupe device formagnifying an object, the loupe device having a proximal end and adistal end and comprising: a frame comprising: a carrier lens; and ananchor assembly; an interchangeable telescope assembly having a weightand defining a field-of-view plane, the interchangeable telescopeassembly comprising at least one magnification lens and configured tomate with the anchor assembly, wherein mating of the interchangeabletelescope assembly and the anchor assembly prevents rotation of thetelescope assembly relative to the anchor assembly; wherein: upon amating of the interchangeable telescope assembly and the anchorassembly: the interchangeable telescope assembly is held to the anchorassembly by magnetic attraction; an indexing ring affixed to theinterchangeable telescope assembly orients the interchangeable telescopeassembly relative to the anchor assembly such that deviation of anoptical axis of the telescope is oriented along a horizontal axis of thefield-of-view-plane.

Preferred features include: wherein the interchangeable telescopeassembly comprises at least one magnetic element and the anchor assemblycomprises at least one magnetic element.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides: a loupe device formagnifying an object spaced apart from the loupe device, the loupedevice comprising: an anchor assembly comprising: an anchor body havinga first geometric feature and a first magnetic element; and aninterchangeable telescope assembly, comprising: a magnification lens; asecond magnetic element; and an indexing ring comprising a secondgeometric feature configured to mate with the first geometric feature,wherein: the interchangeable telescope assembly is configured to be heldto the anchor assembly by magnetic attraction between the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element; and the second geometricfeature, when mated with the first geometric feature, rotationally fixesthe interchangeable telescope assembly with respect to the anchorassembly.

Preferred features include: wherein the second geometric feature, whenmated with the first geometric feature, rotationally fixes theinterchangeable ‘telescope assembly with respect to the anchor assemblysuch that any deviation associated with an optical axis of theinterchangeable telescope assembly is fixed in a pre-definedorientation.

Preferred features include: wherein the pre-defined orientationsubstantially eliminates diplopia when viewing the object through theinterchangeable telescope assembly.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides: a method ofmanufacturing a loupe system, the loupe system comprising an anchorassembly and an interchangeable telescope assembly, the interchangeabletelescope assembly having a proximal end configured to be releasablyfixed to a distal end of the anchor assembly, the method comprising thesteps of: determining an alignment of an optical axis of theinterchangeable telescope assembly that minimizes vertical deviation ofthe optical axis; and fixing an indexing ring to the interchangeabletelescope assembly, such that the indexing ring positions theinterchangeable telescope assembly, when the interchangeable telescopeassembly is releasably fixed to the anchor assembly, in the alignmentthat minimizes vertical deviation of the optical axis.

Preferred features include: wherein the determining includes laseraligning the optical axis using a test fixture.

Preferred features include: forming a projection in the indexing ringand forming a notch in the anchor assembly, the notch configured toreceive the projection.

Preferred features include: forming a notch in the indexing ring andforming a projection in the anchor assembly, the projection configuredto mate with the notch.

Practitioners (e.g., medical professionals) typically require differentmagnification power when performing different procedures. Practitionersmay demand increasing magnification power as their career progresses.Apparatus and methods described herein allow practitioners to quicklychange oculars (a telescope assembly) when using a loupe device. Atelescope assembly may be held to an anchor assembly by magneticattraction and thereby allowing the telescope assembly to be easilyswapped in or out of the anchor assembly.

Preferably, loupe devices can be interchangeable. Interchangeable loupedevices allow for multiple oculars to be used with a single carrier oranchor assembly. Each ocular may provide a different level ofmagnification. Each ocular may be used by a practitioner during adifferent phase of a procedure. The carrier allows different oculars tobe swapped in and out during the procedure.

In the case of interchangeable loupe devices, it may be necessary tomaintain alignment of movable telescopes, during a procedure. Forexample, an interchangeable ocular may unintentionally rotate within itsanchoring base during use. Rotation may trigger diplopia or doublevision for the user. Diplopia or double vision disorients the user andinterrupts an ongoing procedure.

Compound optical systems such as a telescope assembly typically have anoptical axis that runs through a center of the telescope assembly.However, the optical axis may have a slight deviation from the truecenter. For example, the deviation may be 0.5° deviation from the truecenter. At a distance of 18 inches (the average working distance ofpractitioners), the deviation may be as much as 3.9 millimeters (“mm”).It would be preferable to align or orient any such deviation along ahorizontal axis (as opposed to the vertical axis) of the field-of-viewplane provided by the telescope assembly. Accordingly, it would bedesirable to index/orient any such optical axis deviation.

Apparatus and methods may include an indexing feature affixed to atelescope assembly. The indexing feature may mate with a correspondingindexing feature in the anchor assembly that holds the telescopeassembly. Mating of the indexing features preferably insures that thetelescope assembly is properly oriented. Without indexing of thetelescope assembly, the telescope assembly may rotate within the anchorassembly. Rotation of the telescope assembly within the anchor assemblymay allow optical axis deviation to be oriented along a vertical axis ofthe field-of-view plane. Optical axis deviation that is oriented along avertical axis of the field-of-view plane may cause diplopia, (doublevision) and vertical imbalance. A typical practitioner may adjust toabout 0.5 prism diopters (0.56) of vertical imbalance. Indexing anydeviation along the horizontal axis of the field-of-view planepreferably eliminates any such vertical imbalance due to optical axisdeviation.

Preferably, an anchor assembly is mounted onto a carrier lens of an eyeglass frame. The anchor assembly may be positioned on the carrier lenssuch that it is focused at a point in space at a practitioner's desiredworking distance. The anchor assembly may accommodate a corrective(e.g., prescription) lens inside it to correct a deficiency in thepractitioner's vision. The anchor assembly preferably contains magneticelements.

A telescope assembly is preferably configured such that when it ismounted on the anchor assembly, the telescope assembly is focused at apoint in space at a practitioner's desired working distance. Thetelescope assembly is preferably equipped with a magnetic element thatadheres to magnetic elements affixed to the anchor assembly. Thetelescope assembly is preferably held in place by an attractive forcebetween the magnetic elements. A pull force is typically required toremove the telescope assembly from the anchor assembly.

The telescope assembly is preferably aligned using a test fixture androtated to ensure that any optical axis deviation is oriented along ahorizontal axis of the practitioner's field-of-view. The telescopeassembly preferably includes an indexing feature. The indexing featureis configured to mate with a corresponding feature in the anchorassembly. The indexing feature is preferably affixed to the telescopeassembly after it has been aligned. Thus, the indexing featurepreferably ensures that when the telescope assembly is removed from theanchor assembly and/or reinserted into the anchor assembly, the opticalaxis of the telescope assembly is aligned to eliminate or reduce anyvertical imbalance.

Apparatus and methods for rotationally aligning an optical device, suchas an ocular of an interchangeable loupe, are provided. Deviationpresent in the ocular may be oriented in a vertical plane. Orientationof the deviation in the vertical plane may trigger vertical imbalanceand diplopia or double vision. Many practitioners only adjust to about0.5 prism diopters (0.56) of vertical imbalance. The present disclosureprovides methods and apparatus that minimize, eliminate or preventvertical imbalance, particularly in interchangeable telescopes oroculars.

The apparatus may include, and the methods may involve, one or moreassemblies of components configured to be held together by magneticattraction or other suitable releasable engagement mechanisms. Apparatusmay include, and the methods may involve, one or more than one loupeanchor (alternatively described as a sleeve) or anchoring assembly(alternatively described as a sleeve assembly) and one or more than oneinterchangeable loupe telescope (alternatively described as an ocular ortelescope assembly).

Preferably, apparatus and methods disclosed herein enable a user toquickly change the ocular(s) or telescope(s) (hereinafter, “telescope”)releasably affixed to magnetic sleeve(s)/anchor(s). Thetelescope/assembly preferably includes one or more magnification lens.The telescope is preferably configured for replaceable insertion into ananchor assembly. The telescope is preferably configured for replaceableremoval from the anchor assembly.

Preferably, when the telescope is seated in the anchor assembly, thetelescope is configured to be held to the anchor assembly by magneticattraction therebetween. Magnetic attraction is provided by one or moremagnets interacting with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetsand/or the magnetic elements are configured such that the attraction issufficient to withstand a typical unintentionally applied force thatcould cause the telescope to disengage from the anchor. The forceincludes gravitational force on the loupe device. The weight of thetelescope may determine the configuration of the magnets and magneticelements needed to at least overcome the gravitational force.

Optionally, a telescope includes the one or more magnets, and the anchorassembly includes the one or more magnetic elements oriented andconfigured to provide the magnetic attraction. Alternatively, oradditionally, the telescope includes the one or more magnetic elements,and the anchor assembly includes the one or more magnets oriented andconfigured to provide the magnetic attraction.

Preferably, the shape and size of magnetic elements are selected suchthat they are easily manufactured. The shape and size of magneticelements are selected such that they easily mate with other componentsof the loupe assembly. For example, magnetic elements may include curvedsurfaces that conform within corresponding circular recesses of one ormore than one loupe subassembly (e.g., anchor covers and anchor bodies).Preferably, magnetic elements have elongated cylindrical shapes. Theelongated cylindrical shapes have proximal and distal ends “Proximal”and “distal” may be defined with respect to a practitioner wearing theloupe device. Proximal may be closer to the practitioner and distal maybe more distant from the practitioner. The proximal and distal ends maydefine a longitudinal axis.

Magnetic elements may be of any suitable length. Illustrative lengthsinclude about 2 mm to about 3 mm, about 3 mm to about 4 mm, about 4 mmto about 5 mm, about 5 mm to about 6 mm, about 6 mm to about 7 mm, about7 mm to about 8 mm and/or about 8 mm to about 9 mm. Cylindrical magneticelements may be of any suitable diameter, such as about 1 mm to about 2mm, about 2 mm to about 3 mm, about 3 mm to about 4 mm, about 4 mm toabout 5 mm, about 5 mm to about 6 mm, about 6 mm to about 7 mm, about 7mm to about 8 mm and/or about 8 mm to about 9 mm.

Preferably, the magnetic elements include surfaces configured toconform, upon assembly of the loupe subassemblies, to correspondingsurfaces of other magnet elements. Preferably, a magnetic elementcomprises a steel ring. Preferably, the steel ring includes a flatsurface that is configured to conform to the flat surface(s) of othermagnet elements. The steel ring defines a hole therein that avoidsoccluding a line of site through the assembled loupe device.

Preferably, the magnets are positioned about longitudinal axes of thetelescope assemblies. Corresponding one or more magnetic elements arepositioned on the anchor assembly. Attraction between the magnets andthe magnetic elements maintains the telescope assembly and anchorassembly in fixed positions with respect to each other.

Preferably, telescope assemblies are configured to be adjustable to thepractitioner's desired working distance. For example, telescopes mayinclude corrective lenses. Anchor assemblies may featurebinocular-vision convergence adjustment for focus and/or eye-teaming ona field of vision at the desired working distance. The convergenceadjustment may be configured to eliminate some or all of deviation(s) ofoptical axes of the telescope assemblies, when the deviation(s) areoriented along a horizontal plane.

Magnets and magnetic elements are preferably of suitable materials andgeometries provide sufficient magnetic force to secure the telescopeassemblies to the anchor assemblies in a dependable manner. Preferably,attraction between the magnets and the magnetic elements provides amagnetic field strong enough to reliably hold the telescope assemblyrelative to the anchor assembly despite inadvertent forces applied tothe telescope or anchor assembly. The telescope and anchor assemblyshould remain adjoined despite, for example, the practitionerinadvertently brushing the telescope assembly against a wall or otherobject.

Optionally, magnetic elements are positioned in the anchor assembly soas to abut the magnetic element of the telescope assembly. For example,optionally, the magnetic elements are partially occluded distally by amagnet-retaining lip. Such an arrangement provides for direct contact ofthe magnetic elements in the anchor assembly with the magnetic elementsof the telescope assembly.

Optionally, the magnetic elements have a geometry that is narrower,tapered or conical and allows the magnetic elements of the anchorassembly to be seated within a corresponding recess. The correspondingrecess may hold the magnetic elements of the anchor assembly in positionand allow the magnetic elements of the telescope assembly to directlycontact the magnetic elements of the anchor assembly. Such directcontact may provide a stronger adhesion between the magnetic elements.

Magnetic elements may have a suitable geometry configuration that, forexample, is narrower at a distal end (such as a conical section).Preferably, such geometric configurations allow for substantiallysimultaneous retention of the magnet(s) within a geometricallyconforming, magnet-retaining recess of the anchor assembly and directcontact with the magnetic element(s) of the telescope assembly.

Any suitable material for magnetic elements includes iron or its alloys,cobalt or its alloys, and/or nickel or its alloys. Any suitable materialfor magnets includes iron or its alloys, cobalt or its alloys, nickel orits alloys, lodestone, rare earth metal compounds and/or alloys,rare-earth-free permanent magnets or nanostructured magnets.

Preferably, the magnetic elements provide adhesion of a suitablestrength to prevent inadvertent release of the loupe subassemblies,while allowing intentional separation of the loupe subassemblies. Forexample, preferably, the magnets include neodymium (NdFeB) of a suitablegrade, such as N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, N52 and/or N55.

Optionally, one or more releasable mechanical engagement featuresreleasably couple telescope assembly to the anchor assembly. Suchengagement features include any suitable geometries or structures, suchas projections, grooves, ridges, tracks, locks or hooks. For example,complementarily contoured mechanical engagement structures on the anchorand telescope assemblies replace or supplement magnetic attractionbetween the assemblies. Additional examples of engagement featuresinclude protrusions, notches, latches, threads, eyes, holes, pegs,hook-and-loop fasteners, or any other mechanical system of releasableengagement. Optionally, mechanical engagement structures, featuresand/or mating geometries are positioned about a longitudinal axis of thetelescope assembly and/or anchor assembly.

Preferably, magnetic or mechanical couplings provide one or morespecific rotational orientations of the telescope assembly with respectto its corresponding anchor assembly. Optionally, the telescope/anchorassemblies are configured to allow for multiple rotational orientations.For example, each telescope assembly may have two geometric projectionson its proximal side each of which is configured to mate with mate oneof two complementary geometric recesses on a distal side of the anchorassembly. This arrangement enables assembly of the telescope assembly tothe anchor assembly in two possible orientations.

Optionally, each orientation may differ by 180 degrees from the other.Multiple orientations minimize vertical deviation of the optical axiswhile allowing for flexibility in positioning the telescope assemblyrelative to the anchor assembly. Optionally, multiple engagementfeatures provide added stability. Preferably, the telescopeassembly(ies) and/or the anchor assembly(ies) are configured to allowonly one rotational orientation.

The apparatus may include, and the methods involve, indexing deviationpresent in the telescope assembly into a horizontal plane. Thehorizontal plane may be considered “horizontal” with respect to a fieldof view of the practitioner wearing the loupe device. Indexing thedeviation into the horizontal plane reduces vertical imbalance.Preferably, indexing is provided by the mechanical structures,geometries or features. Preferably, telescope assemblies include one ormore indexing rings (alternatively described as an aligning ring[s]).The indexing ring(s) is configured to prevent vertical deviation of thetelescope assembly. Preferably, the indexing ring(s) includes one ormore of the mechanical features or structures.

Preferably, the indexing ring is positioned and fixed to align thestructure(s)/feature(s)/geometry to complementarily contoured indexingfeature(s), such as notch(es), in the anchor assembly. The indexingfeatures align the telescope assembly in predetermined orientation(s)relative to the anchor assembly.

The indexing ring may include one or more than one magnetic elements ormating geometric features. Illustrative mating geometric featuresinclude projections or ridges configured to mate with a complementaryfeature formed in the anchor assembly. For example, the indexing ringmay include a recess configured to mate with a complementarily contouredridge of an anchor assembly.

The indexing ring is constructed from any suitable material. Suitablematerials include metal and/or a polymer. The indexing ring may be fixedto the telescope assembly/body using adhesive. One or more than one beadof the adhesive may be placed around the indexing ring positioned tointerface with a surface of the telescope body. Alternatively, oradditionally, the indexing ring may be fixed to the telescope assemblyusing welding or any other suitable fixation methods that resist orprevent rotation of the telescope assembly relative to the indexingring. Suitable fixation methods include mechanical fixation, such as viascrews and complementarily threaded bores.

Preferably, the indexing ring includes a feature that mates with acorresponding feature on the anchor assembly such that, when assembled,the telescope assembly is rotationally fixed with respect to the anchorassembly. The feature of the indexing ring is configured to ensure that,when the telescope and anchor assemblies are properly adjoined, anydeviation that is inherently associated with the telescope assembly isoriented in the horizontal plane of the practitioner's field of view.

Preferably, the indexing ring includes a projection for mating with acomplementarily contoured notch in the anchor assembly. Alternatively,or additionally, the indexing ring includes the notch and the anchorincludes the projection. An indexing ring may include any suitablefeature that, when the telescope assembly is inserted into the anchorassembly, fixes rotational movement of the telescope assembly withrespect to the anchor assembly.

Optionally, a geometric feature is formed in a surface of the telescopeassembly itself. Preferably, a loupe device(s) include(s) a firsttelescope/anchor assembly pair and a second telescope/anchor assemblypair. Preferably, the telescope assembly of the first telescope/anchorassembly pair includes the mating feature in an outer surface of thetelescope assembly. Preferably, the telescope assembly of the secondtelescope/anchor assembly pair includes an indexing ring.

Preferably, the apparatus and/or device are configured such that themating features are visible prior to insertion of the telescope assemblyinto the anchor assembly. Preferably, the apparatus and/or device areconfigured such that the mating features are visible after insertion ofthe telescope assembly into the anchor assembly. For example,optionally, a mating projection may be taller than a thickness of acorresponding notch configured to receive the projection. Preferably, anotch or recess traverses an anchor wall from the exterior of the anchorwall to the interior of the anchor wall, thereby enabling a viewing ofthe projection inserted in the notch. Optionally, a transparent ortranslucent material may cover the projection after its insertion intothe notch.

Preferably, the indexing ring is fixed to the telescope assembly afterrotationally aligning an optical axis of the telescope assembly.Preferably, rotational alignment of the telescope assembly includesorienting the optical axis such that when inserted into an anchorassembly, vertical deviation is substantially reduced or eliminated.Preferably, rotational alignment includes laser aligning the opticalaxis with respect to a test anchor assembly. Preferably, rotationalalignment includes positioning and fixing the indexing ring relative tothe optical axis to ensure that when the telescope assembly is insertedinto the anchor assembly, any optical deviation in the vertical plane isminimized, having been shifted to the horizontal plane. Rotationalalignment of the indexing ring ensures that the optical axis, when thetelescope assembly is inserted into the anchor assembly, is oriented tominimize or eliminate vertical deviation.

Preferably, the indexing ring is fixed to the telescope assembly in anysuitable manner or using any suitable materials. For example, theindexing ring may be fixed to the telescope assembly using a glue orand/or bolting the indexing ring to the telescope assembly. One or moregeometric features, such as lips, ridges, rims, protrusions or recesses,may be utilized to fix the indexing ring in a position on the telescopeassembly relative to the optical axis.

Preferably, illustrative telescope assemblies include a proximal endconfigured to nest within an anchor assembly. Preferably, when nested,magnets and/or magnetic elements of the telescope assembly arepositioned to provide magnetic attraction with corresponding magnetsand/or magnetic elements of the anchor assembly. Preferably, themagnetic attraction holds the telescope and anchor assemblies in anested configuration. Preferably, magnets and/or magnetic elements arepositioned on the facing ends of the telescope and anchor assembliessuch that when the telescope assembly is seated in the anchor assembly,the magnets and/or magnetic elements of the different assemblies are inproximity of, and/or abut, each other.

Preferably, magnets and/or magnetic elements are positioned on theproximal end of the telescope assembly and on the distal side of theanchor assembly. Optionally, the magnets and/or magnetic elements areinserted within the end(s) of the telescope and/or anchor assemblies).Magnets and/or magnetic elements may protrude from the ends of thetelescope and/or anchor assemblies. Magnets and/or magnetic elements maybe flush with the ends of the telescope and/or anchor assemblies.Magnets and/or magnetic elements may be recessed within the facing endsof the telescope and/or anchor assemblies.

Preferably, magnets and/or magnetic elements are fixed to the telescopeand anchor assemblies using any suitable methods or mechanisms.Preferably, a threaded screw is driven through holes in both an anchorassembly body and an anchor assembly cover thereby fixing magnets and/ormagnetic elements to the anchor assembly. Optionally, magnets and/ormagnetic elements are fastened using an adhesive. Geometric features,such as lips, ridges, grooves, rims, threads, hooks, latches,protrusions or recesses may hold magnets and/or magnetic elements inposition in one or more directions, on a telescope or anchor assembly.

For example, geometric features may allow magnets and/or magneticelements to be snapped into or out of a position. Optionally, magnetsand/or magnetic elements may be releasably secured to the telescopeand/or anchor assembly. Such aspects may allow magnets and/or magneticelements of different attraction strengths to be swapped in or out. Forexample, a practitioner may desire a more secure adhesion of thetelescope and anchor assemblies. The practitioner may obtain magnetsand/or magnetic elements having a stronger attraction (e.g., magneticfield) and replace with them more weakly attracting magnets and/ormagnetic elements.

Magnetic elements include any substance suitable of being acted upon bya magnetic field. The magnetic element(s) may have any shape suitable toprovide an unobstructed line of sight through nested telescope andanchor assemblies. The magnetic elements may have any suitable shape orcomposition to provide a strong attraction between the telescope andanchor assemblies. Illustrative shapes include ring shaped and/ormultiple magnetic elements positioned around an edge of a telescope oranchor assembly.

Optionally, a body of the telescope and/or anchor assembly isconstructed from a magnetic element (e.g., steel). The body isconstructed of a magnetic element having a suitable strength and/orcontour to be held by the magnetic element of a complementary assembly.Optionally, the indexing ring is constructed from a magnetic element.

Optionally, mechanical features hold the telescope and anchor assembliesin the nested position. Such mechanical features may supplement magneticattraction.

Preferably, a telescope assembly is positioned such that the opticalaxis is focused at a desired point in space at a practitioner's desiredworking distance. Preferably, a pair of anchor assemblies is embedded ina carrier device. The carrier device may include a frame with lenses.The anchor assemblies are embedded in the lenses of the frame.Optionally, the anchor assemblies may be fixed to a flip-up, hingeddevice attached to the frame.

Preferably, the lenses of the frame include one or more lenses thatcorrect vision of a practitioner. For example, the frame lenses mayaccommodate a corrective lens to correct the practitioner's eyesightdefect (e.g., near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism).

Preferably, the anchor assembly includes one or more corrective lenses.For example, the anchor assembly may accommodate a corrective lens tocorrect the practitioner's eyesight. The telescope assembly mayaccommodate a corrective lens to correct the practitioner's eyesight.

Optionally, two or more telescope assemblies may be nested within eachother. One telescope assembly may correct the practitioner's vision andthe other may provide magnification suitable for the specific procedurebeing performed by the practitioner. Optionally, two or more anchorassemblies may be nested within each other. One anchor assembly maycorrect the practitioner's vision and the other may provide a base forreceiving a telescope assembly.

Any suitable fastening mechanisms may be used to fix corrective lens toan assembly or frame. For example, one or more retaining rings may trapa corrective lens against an inwardly protruding surface (such as alip), thereby holding the corrective lens in place between the ring andthe protruding surface. Corrective lenses may be held in position usingadhesive.

Some aspects of the disclosure may omit accommodations for correctivelenses. The lenses of the frame may be “window-glass” lenses that do notcorrect vision.

The apparatus may include, and the method may involve, a binocular loupesystem. Preferably, the binocular loupe system is configured to magnifyan object during a procedure. Preferably, the loupe system is configuredto prevent or reduce diplopia.

Preferably, the system includes a pair of the loupe devices, a carrierlens frame and a pair of carrier lenses. The loupe devices areconfigured to be positioned relative to the carrier lenses. Preferably,the loupe device includes an interchangeable telescope assembly. Thecarrier lenses, in turn, are attached to the carrier lens frame. Thecarrier lenses include an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly isconfigured to hold an interchangeable telescope assembly in position.

The apparatus may include and the methods may involve a binocular loupesystem for magnifying an object during a procedure. Preferably, theanchor apparatus includes a carrier lens frame, a pair of carrier lensesand a pair of anchor assemblies. Each anchor assembly is fixed to acarrier lens.

Anchor assemblies preferably include an anchor body. The anchor bodypreferably includes one or more cylindrical magnetic elements, an anchorcover and fasteners fixing the anchor cover to the anchor body about thecylindrical magnets. Preferably, the anchor body includes a correctivelens and a ring for retaining the corrective lens.

The system preferably includes one or more pairs of interchangeabletelescope assemblies. Each pair of telescope assemblies preferablyincludes a telescope assembly. One or more indexing rings are assembledand/or fixed to each telescope assembly. Proximal-end surfaces of theindexing rings preferably include geometric features, such asprojections. The geometric features are preferably configured to alignand mate with features with complementary geometric features (such asnotches complementary in shape with the projections) on a distal-endsurface of the anchor assembly. When the telescope assembly is nestedwithin to the anchor assemblies, the telescope assembly is rotationallyfixed with respect to the anchor assembly. Preferably, aninterchangeable telescope assembly is held to an anchor assembly bymagnetic attraction. Optionally, an anchor assembly is nested within atelescope assembly.

The apparatus may involve, and the methods may include, a method ofmanufacturing a binocular loupe system. Preferably, the binocular loupesystem includes a carrier lens frame, a pair of carrier lenses and apair of anchor assemblies fixed relative to the carrier lenses.

Preferably, each anchor assembly includes an anchor body, one or moremagnetic elements, an anchor cover and one or more fasteners for fixingthe anchor cover to the anchor body about the magnets. Each anchorassembly may also include a corrective lens. Each anchor assembly mayalso include a retaining ring and/or any other suitable means forsecuring the corrective lens to the anchor assembly. The corrective lensmay be held in position by surfaces of the anchor body and/or the anchorcover.

Preferably, the binocular loupe system includes a pair ofinterchangeable telescope assemblies. The telescope assemblies haveproximal ends configured for releasable assembly to distal ends of theanchor assemblies. The telescope assemblies include interchangeabletelescopes, magnetic elements and one or more than one rotationalindexing ring(s). Preferably, an external geometry of the indexingring(s) is configured to align and mate with a complementary externalgeometry of the anchor assembly.

Preferably, the method includes affixing the carrier lenses to thecarrier frames. Preferably, the method includes inserting the magnetsinto a body of the anchor assembly. Preferably, the method includesthreading the fasteners through the anchor body and the anchor cover.Preferably, the method includes inserting the corrective lens into theanchor body. Preferably, the method includes affixing the correctivelens retaining ring into the anchor cover and/or the anchor body.Optionally, the lens retaining ring is omitted. Preferably, the methodincludes securing the corrective lens between the anchor body and theanchor cover. Optionally, the anchor cover secures the corrective lensto the anchor body. Preferably, the method includes affixing the anchorassemblies into the carrier lenses. Preferably, the method includesaffixing magnetic elements into an interchangeable telescope assembly.

Preferably, the method includes affixing an indexing ring(s) to thetelescope assembly such that geometric features are positioned to matewith corresponding geometric features of an anchor assembly. Preferably,the method includes affixing the indexing ring(s) to the telescopeassembly such that an optical axis of the telescope assembly is alignedwith the corresponding geometric features of the anchor assembly.Preferably, the method includes rotationally aligning the optical axisof telescope assembly to reduce vertical deviation. Preferably, themethod includes fixing the indexing rings to the telescopes to minimizethe vertical deviation of the optical axes of the telescopes uponassembly of the telescope assembly to the anchor assembly.

The apparatus may involve, and the methods may include, a method ofmanufacturing a telescope assembly. Preferably, the telescope assemblyincludes a proximal end configured to be inserted into an anchorassembly held by a carrier lens. Preferably, the method includesinserting an indexing ring over, in, on or about a body of the telescopeassembly such that an indexing geometric feature of the indexing ring ormagnetic surface of the indexing ring is configured to mate with acomplementary geometry or corresponding surface of the anchor assembly.

For example, a geometric contour (such as a projection) of aproximal-facing surface of the indexing ring may positioned on thetelescope assembly body such that the geometric contour faces in aproximally direction. Such positioning enables the geometric contour tomate with a complementary geometric surface (such as a notch) of adistal-facing surface of the anchor assembly.

The apparatus may involve, and the methods may include, a method ofrotational alignment of the one or more than one telescope device.Preferably, the method includes rotating the telescope assembly about acentral longitudinal axis of each telescope assembly. Preferably, themethod includes rotating the indexing ring about the centrallongitudinal axis. Preferably, the method includes rotating thetelescope assembly, about the central longitudinal axis, with respect tothe indexing ring. Preferably, the method includes fixing the indexingring to the telescope assembly. Optionally, a test anchor assembly isused during manufacture of the telescope assembly to test the alignment.Preferably, a laser is used for determining/checking the alignment ofthe telescope assembly.

The apparatus may involve, and the methods may include, a method ofreleasably assembling a loupe device. Preferably, the method includesaligning one or more of the geometries of a telescope assembly with thecomplementary geometries of an anchor assembly. Preferably, the methodincludes nesting the telescope assembly and anchor assembly. Preferably,the method includes joining the telescope assembly to the anchorassembly. Preferably, the method includes inserting the telescopeassembly into, onto and/or about the anchor assembly. Preferably, themethod includes inserting the telescope assembly into, onto and/or aboutthe anchor assembly such that a magnetic attraction or mechanical forcebetween the assemblies reduces a risk of inadvertent disassembly of theloupe device.

The apparatus may involve, and the methods may include, a method ofusing a loupe device. Preferably, the method includes a practitionerusing an assembled loupe device (e.g., nested telescope and anchorassemblies) to view a magnified image of a surface. Preferably, themethod includes using an assembled loupe device to perform amedical/dental procedure. Preferably, the method includes removal of atelescope assembly from the loupe device. For example, a first pair oftelescope assemblies may have a first magnification level. Preferably,the method includes removing the first pair of telescope assemblies fromtheir anchor assemblies. Preferably, the method includes inserting asecond pair of telescope assemblies into the anchor assemblies.Preferably, the second pair of telescope assemblies has a magnificationlevel that is different from the first pair of telescope assemblies.

Apparatus and methods described herein are illustrative. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural,functional and procedural modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Apparatus and methods of the disclosure may involve and/or include someor all of the features of the illustrative apparatus and/or some or allof the steps of the illustrative methods. Apparatus and methods of thedisclosure may combine some or all of the features of some or all of theillustrative apparatus and/or some or all of the steps of some or all ofthe illustrative methods.

The steps of the methods may be performed in an order other than theorder shown and described herein. Some embodiments may omit steps shownand described in connection with the illustrative methods. Someembodiments may include steps that are not shown and/or are notdescribed in connection with the illustrative methods. Some embodimentsmay omit features shown and described in connection with theillustrative apparatus. Some embodiments may include features that arenot shown and/or are not described in connection with the illustrativeapparatus.

Apparatus and methods in accordance with the disclosure will now bedescribed in connection with the FIGs. The FIGs. show illustrativefeatures of apparatus and methods in accordance with the principles ofthe disclosure. The features are illustrated in the context of aselected embodiment or embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows loupe subassembly 100 defining longitudinal axis L. Loupesubassembly 100 includes anchor subassembly 102 and correspondinginterchangeable telescope subassembly 108. Telescope subassembly 108 isshown aligned for insertion into anchor subassembly 102.

Anchor subassembly 102 includes anchor body 110. Anchor subassembly 102includes anchor end cover 114. Anchor subassembly 102 includescorrective lens 118. Anchor subassembly 102 includes lens retaining ring120. Anchor body 110 defines indexing notch 144 at a distal end thereof.

Telescope subassembly 108 includes telescope body 122. Telescopesubassembly 108 includes magnetic element 124. Magnetic element 124 maycomprise a steel ring. Telescope subassembly 108 includes indexing ring148. Indexing ring 148 includes indexing projection 142. Indexingprojection 142 is configured to mate with indexing notch 144 of anchorsubassembly 102.

FIG. 2 shows components of loupe subassembly 100. Loupe anchorsubassembly 102 includes magnets 212. Anchor subassembly 102 includesfasteners 216 fixing anchor cover 114 to anchor body 110 about magnets212. Telescope subassembly 108 is configured to be held to anchorsubassembly 102 by magnetic attraction between magnets 212 and magneticelement 124.

To ensure that the magnetic attraction is sufficient for facilitatingreliable fixation of telescope subassembly 108 within anchor assembly102, geometries and substance(s) of magnets 212 are chosen to insure areliably strong magnetic field and level of magnetic attraction. To thisend, magnets 212 are shaped as elongated cylinders.

Fasteners 216 include threaded screws fixing anchor cover 114 to anchorbody 110 about magnets 212. Alternatively, or additionally, adhesive orother methods of fixation may be implemented.

Anchor body 110 may be of a rigid and cylindrical construction with aproximal and a distal end. The proximal end of anchor body 110 includesinwardly extending annular lip 226. Annular lip 226 definesaxially-centered lens-retaining recess 228. Annular lip 226 definesmagnet-retaining recesses 230 around the perimeter of lens-retainingrecess 228. Annular lip 226 defines threaded or unthreaded through-holes232 for receiving fasteners 216 around the perimeter of lens-retainingrecess 228. Lens-retaining recess 228 is defined distally by inwardlyextending annular lens-retention rim 234. Lens-retention rim 234 definesfirst window 238 therewithin.

Magnet-retaining recesses 230 extend distally toward proximally-facing,radially inwardly-extending magnet-retention rims 236 such that each ofmagnet-retaining circular recesses 230 are only partially occluded atits distal-most end by magnet-retention rims 236. Magnets 212 havedistal ends shaped to fit distally into magnet-retaining recesses 230 ofanchor body 110 and to abut distal magnet-retention rims 236.

Anchor cover 114 is of a ring shape and defines central window 240therethrough. Anchor cover 114 further defines, around the perimeter ofwindow 240, one or more magnet-retaining circular bores (not shown). Themagnet-retaining circular bores are open distally and shaped to conformto and contain proximal ends of magnets 212 therein. Anchor cover 114further defines, around the perimeter of window 240, threaded screwholes 246 and/or other mechanical retention structures for receiving theends of fasteners 216.

Fasteners 216 comprise screws or other fastening devices fixing anchorcover 114 to anchor body 110 about magnets 212. Fasteners 216 may passthrough through-holes 232 of anchor body 110 and may be threaded intoscrew holes 246 of anchor cover 114, thereby securing magnets 212 intomagnet-retaining recesses 230 of anchor body 110 and into the alignedmagnet-retaining circular bores of anchor cover 114.

Corrective lens 118 may be retained within lens-retaining recess 228,abutting the proximal surface of lens-retention rim 234.

Preferably, lens retaining ring 120 includes external threads. Threadedor unthreaded corrective lens retaining ring 120 may be affixed withinthreaded or unthreaded central window 240 of anchor cover 114.Corrective lens retaining ring 120 may touch the proximal surface ofcorrective lens 118. Alternatively, or additionally, threaded orunthreaded corrective lens retaining ring 120 may be affixed withinthreaded or unthreaded lens-retaining recess 228 of anchor body 110. Inthis arrangement, the corrective lens retaining ring 120 may also touchthe proximal surface of corrective lens 118.

Optionally, an integral, distal surface of anchor cover 114 is assembledto retain corrective lens 118 against a proximal surface of anchor body110, such as lens-retention rim 234.

Telescope subassembly 108 includes telescope body 122 and magneticelement 124. Magnetic element 124 may comprise an externally threaded orunthreaded ring affixed within an internally threaded or unthreadedproximal end of telescope body 122 such that the proximal surface ofmagnetic element 124 is flush with or protrudes proximally from theproximal edge of telescope body 122 in order to be proximate to, or tocontact, magnets 212 retained by anchor subassembly 102. Telescopesubassembly 108 includes magnification lens(es) 250.

Anchor assembly 102 defines a central bore open at its distal end andconforming to the proximal end of interchangeable telescope subassembly108. Upon complete insertion of telescope subassembly 108 into thedistal end of anchor subassembly 102, the proximal surface of magneticring 124 approaches or abuts the distal surfaces of magnet(s) 212 suchthat telescope subassembly 108 is held to anchor subassembly 102 bymagnetic attraction between magnets 212 and magnetic element 124.

Alternatively, or additionally, (in a configuration not shown) telescopesubassembly 108 may define a central bore to receive anchor assembly 102such that one or more magnets affixed on one or the other subassemblyeffect magnetic attraction on one or more magnetic components affixed toor comprising corresponding positions of the other subassembly.

FIG. 3 shows loupe subassembly 100 with telescope subassembly 108aligned and inserted into anchor subassembly 102 (both 102 and 108 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2). Alignment and insertion of telescope subassembly 108into anchor subassembly 102 may be performed by the practitioner priorto and/or during a procedure. The proximal surface of magnetic ring 124(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) abuts the distal surfaces of magnet(s) 212(shown in FIG. 2) such that telescope subassembly 108 is held to anchorsubassembly 102 by magnetic attraction between magnets 212 and magneticelement 124.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of loupe subassembly 100 alongview lines 4 (shown in FIG. 1). Telescope subassembly 108 is shownaligned for insertion into anchor subassembly 102.

The cross-sectional view depicts features of anchor subassembly 102:Magnets 212 held in place between anchor cover 114 and magnet retentionrims 236 of anchor body 110; and corrective lens 118 held in placebetween lens retention ring 120 and lens-retention rim 234.

The cross-sectional view depicts features of telescope subassembly 108:Magnetic element 124 fixed to the proximal end of telescope body 122configured for insertion into anchor subassembly 102; magnificationlens(es) 250 fixed within telescope body 122; indexing ring 148assembled to telescope subassembly 108; and indexing projection 142 ofindexing ring 148 aligned opposite indexing notch 144 of anchorsubassembly 102.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of subassembly 100 along viewlines 5 (shown in FIG. 3). Telescope subassembly 108 is shown fullyinserted into anchor subassembly 102. Magnetic element 124 of telescopesubassembly 108 is shown abutting or touching magnets 212 of anchorsubassembly 102.

FIG. 6 portrays schematically optic axis O through a rotationallymisaligned loupe subassembly 100. Indexing projection 142 is notrotationally aligned with indexing notch 144. Optical axis O ofmisaligned loupe subassembly 100 deviates by deviation distance d from acenter of field-of-view aspect A (shown here as centered about axis L).Deviation distance d may be, for example, about 4 mm. Deviation d isshown along vertical axis y. Field-of-view aspect A may be at a typicalworking distance of the practitioner using loupe subassembly 100. At atypical working distance, deviation d along vertical axis y may beassociated with more than about 0.5 prism diopters of verticalimbalance. At the typical working distance, deviation d along verticalaxis y may be associated diplopia.

The typical working distance may be measured from a practitioner (e.g.,an eye of the practitioner). The typical working distance may bemeasured from a proximal end of anchor subassembly 102, as suitably wornby the practitioner (e.g., using binocular anchor apparatus 852 shown inFIG. 8). The typical working distance may be measured from a distal endof telescope subassembly 108 when telescope subassembly 108 is assembledto anchor subassembly 102, and as suitably worn by the practitioner. Thetypical working distance may be measured from any suitable referencepoint.

FIG. 7 portrays schematically optic axis O through a rotationallyaligned loupe subassembly 100. Indexing projection 142 is rotationallyaligned with indexing notch 144 such that deviation d is alonghorizontal axis x. At the typical working distance, deviation d alonghorizontal axis x is not associated with more than about 0.5 prismdiopters of vertical imbalance. At the typical working distance,deviation d along horizontal axis x is not associated with diplopia.

FIG. 8 portrays schematically optic axes O₁ and O₂ of binocular loupeassembly 800. Binocular loupe assembly 800 includes loupe subassemblies800A and 800B. Optic axes O₁ and O₂ are each respectively associatedwith loupe subassemblies 800A and 800B. Loupe subassembly 800A includestelescope subassembly 808A and anchor subassembly 802A (the latter shownin phantom). Loupe subassembly 800B includes telescope subassembly 808Band anchor subassembly 802B (the latter shown in phantom).

Telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B include some or all features oftelescope subassemblies 108 shown in FIGS. 1-7. Telescope subassemblies808A and 808B include, respectively, indexing projections 842A and 842B.Telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B are shown including magnificationlenses, such as magnification lenses 250 (shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5).

Binocular loupe assembly 800 includes binocular anchor apparatus 852(shown in phantom). Binocular anchor apparatus 852 includes carrierlenses 804. Binocular anchor apparatus 852 includes carrier lens frame806. Binocular anchor apparatus 852 includes anchor subassembly 802A ofloupe subassembly 800A and anchor subassembly 802B of loupe subassembly800B. Anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B are embedded within carrierlenses 804. Carrier lenses 804 are attached to carrier lens frame 806.Anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B include some or all features ofanchor subassemblies 102 shown in FIGS. 1-7. Anchor subassemblies 802Aand 802B include, respectively, indexing notches 844A and 844B.

Indexing projection 842A of telescope subassembly 808A is shownrotationally aligned with corresponding indexing notch 844A, whileindexing projection 842B of telescope subassembly 808B is shownrotationally misaligned with corresponding indexing notch 844B.

Field-of-view aspect A₁ is shown centered about optical axis O₁ ofsubassembly 800A. Field-of-view aspect A₁ may be at a typical workingdistance of the practitioner using loupe assembly 800.

Optical axis O₂ of loupe subassembly 800B deviates by deviation distanced from the center of field-of-view aspect A₁. Deviation d is alongvertical axis y. Deviation d along vertical axis y may be associatedwith more than 0.5 prism diopters of vertical imbalance and/or diplopia.

FIG. 9 shows binocular loupe assembly 800 in a partially disassembledstate. Binocular loupe assembly 800 includes binocular anchor apparatus852, as well as telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B. Binocular anchorapparatus 852 includes carrier lens frame 806, carrier lenses 804 andanchor subassemblies 802A and 802B. Anchor subassemblies 802A and 802Bmay include corrective lenses such as corrective lens 118 shown in FIGS.1-5). Anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B are embedded withincorresponding carrier lenses 804. Carrier lenses 804 are attached tocarrier lens frame 806. Telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B are shownaligned for insertion into anchor apparatus 852, with indexingprojections 842A and 842B aligned for respective insertion into indexingnotches 844A and 844B of respective anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B.

FIG. 10 shows binocular loupe assembly 800 in a fully assembled state.Loupe subassemblies 800A and 800B are shown fully assembled. Telescopesubassemblies 808A and 808B are shown aligned and inserted respectivelyinto corresponding anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B such thatproximally-facing indexing projections 842A and 842B respectively matewith corresponding indexing notches 844A and 844B (shown in FIGS. 8-9)of respective anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B. Binocular loupeassembly 800 may be configured such that alignment and insertion oftelescope subassemblies 808A and 808B into respective anchorsubassemblies 802A and 802B may be performed by a practitioner prior toand/or during a procedure. Binocular loupe assembly 800 may beconfigured such that removal of telescope subassemblies 808A and 808Bfrom anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B may be performed by thepractitioner prior to, during and/or after the procedure.

FIG. 11 portrays schematically optic axes O₁ and O₂ through respectiveloupe subassemblies 800A and 800B of assembled binocular loupe assembly800. Indexing projections 842A and 842B of respective telescopesubassemblies 808A and 808B are shown rotationally aligned with andrespectively inserted into corresponding indexing notches 844A and 844Bof respective anchor subassemblies 802A and 802B. Optical axis O₂ ofloupe subassembly 800B deviates by deviation distance d from the centerof field-of-view aspect A₁ centered about optical axis of subassembly800A. Field-of-view aspect A₁ may be at a typical working distance ofthe practitioner using loupe assembly 800. Deviation d is alonghorizontal axis x. Deviation d along horizontal axis x is not associatedwith more than 0.5 prism diopters of vertical imbalance and/or diplopia.By mating indexing projections 842A and 842B with respectivelycorresponding indexing notches 844A and 844B, loupe assembly 800prevents rotation of telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B in respectiveanchor subassemblies 802A and 802B, thereby preventing deviation d fromshifting toward vertical axis y, thereby avoiding vertical imbalanceand/or diplopia. The rotational fixation of indexing projections 842Aand 842B about the telescope subassemblies 808A and 808B, respectively,may be set during manufacture of telescope subassemblies 808A and 808Bsuch that vertical imbalance and/or diplopia is minimized.

FIG. 12 shows illustrative steps of manufacturing process 1201. Somesteps of process 1201 may be performed by one person, while other stepsmay be performed by more than one person. For simplicity ofpresentation, the steps of the process are presented performed by a“fabricator,” such as a manufacturer.

Process 1201 may begin at step 1203. At step 1203, the fabricatorinserts magnet(s) (such as magnets 212 shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) intoan anchor body (such as anchor body 110, shown in FIGS. 1-7). Thefabricator may insert the magnet(s) into recess(es) (such as recesses230, shown in FIG. 2) of the anchor body. The magnet(s) may have anelongated cylindrical shape and/or may have a desired magnetic fieldshape and/or strength.

At step 1205, the fabricator aligns an anchor cover (such as anchorcover 114, shown in FIGS. 1-7) to the anchor body. The fabricator alignsthe anchor cover to the anchor body such that end(s) of the magnet(s)emerging from the recess(es) of the anchor body project into bore(s)defined in the anchor cover. The fabricator may align the anchor coverto the anchor body such that through-hole(s) (such as through-holes 232,shown in FIG. 2) of the anchor body align with screw hole(s) (such asscrew hole 246, shown in FIG. 2) of the anchor cover.

At step 1207, the fabricator inserts one or more fasteners (such asfasteners 216, shown in FIG. 2) into and/or through the anchor body andthe anchor cover. The fabricator may insert the fastener(s) through thethrough-hole(s). The fabricator may thread the fastener(s) into thescrew holes. The through-holes may be internally threaded and thefabricator may thread the fastener(s) through the through-holes. Thefabricator may thread the fastener(s) into the anchor body. Thefabricator may thread the fastener(s) into the anchor cover. Thefabricator may insert one, some, or all of the fastener(s) first throughthe anchor body and then into the anchor cover. The fabricator mayinsert one, some, or all of the fastener(s) first through the anchorcover and then into the anchor body.

At step 1209, the fabricator disposes a corrective lens (such as lens118, shown in FIGS. 1-5) within the anchor cover. The fabricator maydispose the corrective lens within the anchor body. The fabricator mayinsert the corrective lens into a central window of the anchor cover.The fabricator may insert the corrective lens partially and/or entirelyinto a lens-accommodating bay of the anchor body. The fabricator maydispose the corrective lens over a window of the anchor body.

At step 1211, the fabricator affixes one or more than one lens retainingring (such as ring 120, shown in FIGS. 1-5) to the anchor cover. Thefabricator may thread the retaining ring(s) via screw threads of theretaining ring(s) into complementarily contoured screw threads of theanchor cover and/or of the anchor body. The fabricator maysnap/press-fit the retaining ring(s) into/onto the anchor cover and/orthe anchor body. Alternatively, or additionally, the fabricator affixesthe corrective lens by any suitable means, such as using adhesive and/orinserting the lens into a conforming recess.

At steps 1213, the fabricator manufactures and/or configures one or moremagnetic telescope subassemblies (such as telescope subassembly 108,shown in FIGS. 1-7) including a telescope body (such as telescope body122, shown in FIGS. 1-7) configured to adjoin to the anchor body. Thefabricator affixes, directly or indirectly, one or more than onemagnification lens (such as magnification lens 250, shown in FIGS. 2, 4,5, and 8-11) to one or more than one magnetic element (such as magneticelement 124, shown in FIGS. 1-7). Alternatively, or additionally, themagnetic element(s) includes one or more than one integral and/orstructural wall of the telescope body. The fabricator may affix themagnification lens(es) to the wall(s), e.g., by using retaining ring(s),adhesive and/or any other suitable means of fixation. The fabricator mayconstruct the telescope subassembly such that an end of the telescopesubassembly fits in, on, about and/or adjacent an end of the anchorbody. The fabricator may attach the magnetic element(s) to the telescopebody, e.g., by engaging screw threads of the magnetic element(s) withcomplementarily contoured screw threads of the telescope body and/or ofa telescope cover adjoined to the telescope body. The telescope covermay include features of anchor cover 114. The fabricator maysnap/press-fit the magnetic element(s) into/onto the telescope coverand/or the telescope body. The fabricator may manufacture the telescopesubassembly such that the magnetic element(s) facilitate releasableadjoining the telescope subassembly with the anchor body by magneticinteraction with the magnet(s). Alternatively, or additionally, thefabricator may affix magnets to the telescope subassembly and/ormagnetic elements to the anchor body. Alternatively, or additionally,the fabricator may form and/or affix mechanically releasable fixingmechanisms to the anchor subassemblies and/or to the telescopesubassemblies.

At step 1215, the fabricator slides an indexing ring (such as indexingring 148, shown in FIGS. 1-7) including one or more than one geometricfeature (such as indexing projection 142, shown in FIGS. 1-7, and/orindexing projections 842A and/or 842B, shown in FIGS. 8-11) onto and/orabout a surface of the telescope body. Alternatively, or additionally,the fabricator forms a geometric feature onto, into or about a surfaceof the telescope subassembly and/or telescope body. The feature conformsto a corresponding geometric feature of the anchor body (such asindexing notch 144, shown in FIGS. 1-7, and/or indexing notches 844A and844B, shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11). Alternatively, or additionally, theindexing ring includes the magnet(s) and/or the magnetic element(s).

At step 1217, the fabricator aligns the telescope subassembly and/ortelescope body using a laser and test fixture. The indexing ring isrotated into position based on the alignment indicated by the testfixture to eliminate some or all detected vertical deviation of thetelescope's magnification lens, upon insertion into the anchorsubassembly. Alternatively, or additionally, the fabricator rotates thelens relative to the geometric feature of the telescope until some orall of the deviation detected using the laser and test fixture should beeliminated when the corresponding geometric features of the telescopeand anchor body are aligned by a health care practitioner.

At step 1219, after the alignment, the fabricator permanently fixes theindexing ring onto the telescope, at a position that facilitates a useraligning geometric feature(s) (such as projection 142) of the indexingring with corresponding geometric feature(s) (such as indexing notch144) on the anchor body, thereby minimizing or eliminating verticaldeviation present in the telescope. Alternatively, or additionally, uponthe alignment using the test fixture, the fabricator permanently fixesthe magnification lens relative to geometric feature(s) of the telescopesubassembly so as to facilitate the user's installation of the telescopesubassembly to the anchor subassembly in a manner that minimizes oreliminates the vertical deviation.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show practitioner 1390 performing a procedure. In FIG.13A, practitioner 1390 may be at a typical working distance for viewinga work area including aspect A₃ within the practitioner's field-of-view.Practitioner 1390 is shown wearing corrective eyewear 1301. Usingeyewear 1301, practitioner 1390 may view aspect A₃ along view line M.View line M may extend from B (at or near an eye of practitioner 1390)to aspect A₃. View line M has length e. Viewing aspect A₃ from distancee may require practitioner 1390 to hunch over, which may result indiscomfort or other detrimental effects on practitioner 1390. Suchdetrimental effects include as poor posture and resultant back, neckand/or shoulder pain.

In FIG. 13B, practitioner 1390 may be at a typical working distance forviewing a work area including aspect A₄ with the practitioner'sfield-of-view. Practitioner 1390 is shown wearing magnification eyewear1300, which may include some or all features of loupe assembly 800.Using eyewear 1300, practitioner 1390 may view aspect A₄ along view lineN. View line N may run from B (at or near an eye of practitioner 1390)to aspect A₄. View line N has length f. Magnification of the work areaby magnification eyewear 1300 may enable viewing aspect A₄ from distancef thereby enabling practitioner 1390 to stand erect. Standing erect may,in turn, prevent the detrimental health issues associated with hunchingover to view the work area, such as may be necessary to view the workarea without magnification eyewear 1300, as in FIG. 13A.

The working distance of f, shown in FIG. 13B, may be significantlygreater than the working distance of e, shown in FIG. 13A. Accordingly,any vertical deviation present in magnification eyewear 1300 is all themore likely to result in more than about 0.5 prism diopters of verticalimbalance and/or diplopia. By correctly aligning deviation present inmagnification eyewear 1300 to a horizontal plane, as in loupe assembly800, the deviation may avoid more than about 0.5 prism diopters ofvertical imbalance and/or diplopia for practitioner 1390 even at workingdistance f.

Further, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure include:

-   -   1. An ocular aligning ring for preventing vertical deviation of        an ocular telescope device, the telescope device including a        magnification lens and configured for replaceable insertion into        an anchoring device of loupe carrier frames, the ring comprising        an indexing projection configured to mate with a corresponding        indexing notch of the anchoring device, wherein the ring is        configured to be fixed to the telescope device upon rotational        alignment of the telescope device.    -   2. The aligning ring of embodiment 1 wherein the indexing        projection is configured to be externally viewable after the        insertion of the telescope device into the anchoring device.    -   3. A loupe device for magnifying an object, the loupe device        including a proximal end and a distal end and comprising:        -   a loupe anchor including:            -   a corrective lens; and            -   a first external geometry;        -   an interchangeable telescope having a weight and including:            -   one or more than one magnification lens; and            -   a second external geometry configured to mate with the                first geometry to prevent a rotation of the telescope                relative to the anchor,    -   wherein, upon assembly of the telescope to the anchor, the        interchangeable telescope is held to the anchor by magnetic        attraction therebetween, the magnetic attraction sufficient to        withstand a force.    -   4. The loupe device of embodiment 3 wherein the interchangeable        telescope includes one or more than one magnetic element and the        anchor body includes one or more magnets oriented and configured        to provide the magnetic attraction.    -   5. The loupe device of embodiment 4 wherein the magnets comprise        elongated cylindrical shapes defining longitudinal axes between        proximal and distal ends, the distal ends oriented to provide        the magnetic attraction.    -   6. The loupe device of embodiment 4 wherein the magnetic element        comprises a steel ring.    -   7. The loupe device of embodiment 3 wherein an indexing ring        assembled to the telescope includes the second geometry.    -   8. The loupe device of embodiment 7 wherein the indexing ring is        affixed to the telescope at a rotational orientation configured        to prevent vertical deviation of an optical axis of the        telescope upon assembly of the telescope to the anchor.    -   9. A binocular loupe system for magnifying an object during a        procedure, comprising a pair of the loupe devices of embodiment        3, and further comprising:        -   a carrier lens frame; and        -   a pair of carrier lenses, wherein the loupe devices are            embedded within the carrier lenses, and the carrier lenses            are attached to the carrier lens frame.    -   10. A loupe device for magnifying an object, the loupe device        defining an axis between proximal and distal ends thereof and        comprising:        -   an anchor assembly, including:            -   an anchor body with a distal external geometry;            -   one or more magnets; and            -   a corrective lens; and        -   an interchangeable telescope assembly, including:            -   an interchangeable telescope;            -   a magnetic element; and            -   an indexing ring including a proximal external geometry                configured for mating with the anchor body distal                external geometry,    -   wherein:        -   the interchangeable telescope assembly is configured to be            held to the anchor assembly by magnetic attraction between            the magnets and the magnetic element; and            -   the indexing ring external geometry is configured to                align and mate with the anchor external geometry such                that, upon assembly of the telescope assembly to the                anchor assembly, the telescope assembly is rotationally                fixed with respect to the anchor assembly.    -   11. An interchangeable loupe device configured to prevent        diplopia and having a distal end and a proximal end, the loupe        device comprising:        -   an anchor assembly, including:            -   an anchor body including a distal anchor body external                geometry;            -   one or more magnets;            -   an anchor cover;            -   one or more fasteners fixing the anchor cover to the                anchor body about the magnets;            -   a corrective lens; and            -   a corrective lens retaining ring; and        -   an interchangeable telescope assembly, including:            -   an interchangeable telescope;            -   a magnetic element; and            -   an indexing ring including a proximal indexing ring                external geometry for mating with the anchor body                external geometry,    -   wherein:        -   the interchangeable telescope assembly is configured to be            held to the anchor assembly by magnetic attraction between            the magnets and the magnetic element; and            -   the indexing ring external geometry is configured to                align and mate with the anchor external geometry such                that, upon assembly of the telescope assembly to the                anchor assembly, the telescope assembly is rotationally                fixed with respect to the anchor assembly.    -   12. The loupe device of embodiment 11 wherein the one or more        magnets are cylindrical.    -   13. A binocular loupe system for magnifying an object during a        procedure, comprising a pair of the loupe devices of embodiment        11, and further comprising:        -   a carrier lens frame;        -   a pair of carrier lenses;    -   wherein the loupe devices are embedded within the carrier        lenses, and the carrier lenses are attached to the carrier lens        frame.    -   14. A binocular loupe system for magnifying an object during a        procedure, comprising:        -   a binocular anchor apparatus having:            -   a carrier lens frame;            -   a pair of carrier lenses; and            -   a pair of fixed anchor assemblies, each including:                -   an anchor body including, at a distal end thereof,                    an anchor external geometry;                -   one or more cylindrical magnets;                -   an anchor cover;                -   fasteners fixing the anchor cover to the anchor body                    about the cylindrical magnets;                -   a corrective lens; and                -   a corrective lens retaining ring; and        -   one or more pairs of interchangeable telescope assemblies,            each pair including:            -   interchangeable telescopes;            -   indexing rings including indexing ring external                geometries at proximal ends thereof; and            -   magnetic elements,    -   wherein:        -   the interchangeable telescope assemblies are configured to            be held to the anchor assemblies by magnetic attraction            between the magnets and the magnetic elements; and        -   the indexing ring external geometries are configured to            align and mate with the anchor external geometries such            that, upon assembly of the telescope assemblies to the            anchor assemblies, the telescope assemblies are rotationally            fixed with respect to the anchor assemblies.    -   15. A method of manufacturing a binocular loupe system, the        binocular loupe system including 1) a carrier lens frame, 2) a        pair of carrier lenses, 3) a pair of fixed anchor assemblies,        each anchor assembly including an anchor body, one or more        magnets, an anchor cover, one or more fasteners for fixing the        anchor cover to the anchor body about the magnets, a corrective        lens, and a corrective lens retaining ring, and 4) a pair of        interchangeable telescope assemblies, the telescope assemblies        having proximal ends configured for removable assembly to distal        ends of the anchor assemblies and including interchangeable        telescopes, magnetic elements and rotational indexing rings        including proximal external geometries corresponding to distal        geometries of the anchor bodies, the method comprising the steps        of:        -   affixing the carrier lenses to the carrier frames;        -   inserting the magnets into the anchor body;        -   threading the fasteners through the anchor body and the            anchor cover;        -   inserting the corrective lens into the anchor body;        -   affixing the corrective lens retaining ring into the anchor            cover;        -   affixing the anchor assemblies into the carrier lenses;        -   affixing the magnetic elements into the interchangeable            telescopes;        -   inserting the indexing rings over the proximal ends of the            telescopes such that the geometries of the indexing rings            face the proximal ends;        -   rotationally aligning the telescopes to prevent vertical            deviation of optical axes of the telescopes; and        -   fixing the indexing rings to the telescopes to prevent the            vertical deviation of the optical axes of the telescopes            upon assembly of the telescopes to the anchor bodies.    -   16. A method of manufacturing a custom interchangeable loupe        telescope device, the device having a proximal end configured        for insertion into a distal end of an anchoring device held by a        carrier lens, the method comprising:        -   inserting an indexing ring over the proximal end of the            telescope device such that an indexing geometry of the            indexing ring faces proximally;        -   rotationally aligning the telescope device; and        -   fixing the indexing ring to the telescope device,    -   wherein the geometry is configured to mate with a corresponding        indexing geometry of the anchoring device.    -   17. The method of embodiment 16 wherein the aligning includes        laser aligning on a test fixture.    -   18. The method of embodiment 16 wherein the indexing geometry of        the indexing ring includes a projection and the indexing        geometry of the anchoring device includes a notch.    -   19. The method of embodiment 16 wherein the indexing geometry of        the indexing ring includes a notch and the indexing geometry of        the anchoring device includes a projection.    -   20. A method of assembling a loupe device, the loupe device        including a pair of interchangeable telescopes and a pair of        telescope anchors, the telescopes including geometries for        mating with corresponding geometries of the anchors, the method        comprising:        -   aligning the geometries of the telescopes with the            corresponding geometries of the anchors; and        -   inserting the telescopes into the anchors,    -   wherein a surface of the telescope geometries is visible in the        assembled loupe device.

Thus, apparatus and methods for rotational alignment of interchangeabletelescope assemblies for loupe devices are provided. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be practiced byother than the described embodiments, which are presented for thepurpose of illustration rather than of limitation. The presentdisclosure is limited only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An interchangeable loupe device comprising: ananchor assembly; and a telescope assembly defining a centrallongitudinal axis, an optical axis and a field-of-view plane, thefield-of-view plane having a horizontal axis and a vertical axis andwherein the optical axis deviates from the central longitudinal axis,and the telescope assembly is rotatable about the central longitudinalaxis to an orientation such that deviation of the optical axis isoriented along the horizontal axis of the field-of-view plane; whereinthe telescope assembly comprises a geometric feature that is configuredto mate with a corresponding geometric feature in the anchor assemblyand thereby fix orientation of the deviation of the optical axis alongthe horizontal axis.
 2. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 1,wherein deviation of the optical axis is sufficient to cause more than0.5 prism diopters of vertical imbalance to a practitioner using theinterchangeable loupe device at a working distance of 0.3 to 0.7 meters.3. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 2 wherein: the geometricfeature comprises a protrusion; and the corresponding geometric featurecomprises a notch configured to receive the protrusion.
 4. Theinterchangeable loupe device of claim 1 wherein the telescope assemblyis held to the anchor assembly by magnetic attraction between a firstmagnetic element of the telescope assembly and a second magnetic elementof the anchor assembly.
 5. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 4wherein the first magnetic element comprises a steel ring.
 6. Theinterchangeable loupe device of claim 5 wherein the steel ring comprisesthe geometric feature.
 7. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 5wherein the steel ring is configured to be fixed to the telescopeassembly after orienting deviation of the optical axis along thehorizontal axis.
 8. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 1 whereinthe geometric feature is externally visible after the geometric featureof the telescope assembly mates with the corresponding geometric featureof the anchor assembly.
 9. The interchangeable loupe device of claim 1wherein the telescope assembly is a first telescope assembly, the loupedevice further comprising a second telescope assembly.
 10. Theinterchangeable loupe device of claim 9 wherein: the first telescopeassembly provides a first magnification level; and the second telescopeassembly provides a second magnification level.
 11. The interchangeableloupe device of claim 10, wherein: the first telescope assembly isconfigured to mate with the anchor assembly; and the second telescopeassembly is configured to mate with the anchor assembly.
 12. Theinterchangeable loupe device of claim 9 wherein: the anchor assembly isa first anchor assembly; the first telescope assembly is configured tomate with the first anchor assembly; and the second telescope assemblyis configured to mate with a second anchor assembly.
 13. A loupe devicefor magnifying an object, the loupe device having a proximal end and adistal end and comprising: a frame comprising: a carrier lens; and ananchor assembly; and an interchangeable telescope assembly having aweight and defining a field-of-view plane, the interchangeable telescopeassembly comprising at least one magnification lens and configured tomate with the anchor assembly, wherein mating of the interchangeabletelescope assembly and the anchor assembly prevents rotation of thetelescope assembly relative to the anchor assembly; wherein, upon amating of the interchangeable telescope assembly and the anchorassembly: the interchangeable telescope assembly is held to the anchorassembly by magnetic attraction; and an indexing ring affixed to theinterchangeable telescope assembly orients the interchangeable telescopeassembly relative to the anchor assembly such that deviation of anoptical axis of the telescope is oriented along a horizontal axis of thefield-of-view-plane.
 14. The loupe device of claim 13 wherein theinterchangeable telescope assembly comprises at least one magneticelement and the anchor assembly comprises at least one magnetic element.15. A loupe device for magnifying an object spaced apart from the loupedevice, the loupe device comprising: an anchor assembly comprising: ananchor body having a first geometric feature; and a first magneticelement; and an interchangeable telescope assembly, comprising: amagnification lens; a second magnetic element; and an indexing ringcomprising a second geometric feature configured to mate with the firstgeometric feature; wherein: the interchangeable telescope assembly isconfigured to be held to the anchor assembly by magnetic attractionbetween the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; andthe second geometric feature, when mated with the first geometricfeature, rotationally fixes the interchangeable telescope assembly withrespect to the anchor assembly.
 16. The loupe device of claim 15wherein, the second geometric feature, when mated with the firstgeometric feature, rotationally fixes the interchangeable ‘telescopeassembly with respect to the anchor assembly such that any deviationassociated with an optical axis of the interchangeable telescopeassembly is fixed in a pre-defined orientation.
 17. The loupe device ofclaim 16, wherein the pre-defined orientation substantially eliminatesdiplopia when viewing the object through the interchangeable telescopeassembly.
 18. A method of manufacturing a loupe system, the loupe systemcomprising an anchor assembly and an interchangeable telescope assembly,the interchangeable telescope assembly having a proximal end configuredto be releasably fixed to a distal end of the anchor assembly, themethod comprising the steps of: determining an alignment of an opticalaxis of the interchangeable telescope assembly that minimizes verticaldeviation of the optical axis; and fixing an indexing ring to theinterchangeable telescope assembly, such that the indexing ringpositions the interchangeable telescope assembly, when theinterchangeable telescope assembly is releasably fixed to the anchorassembly, in the alignment that minimizes vertical deviation of theoptical axis.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the determiningincludes laser aligning the optical axis using a test fixture.
 20. Themethod of claim 18 further comprising: forming a projection in theindexing ring; and forming a notch in the anchor assembly, the notchconfigured to receive the projection.
 21. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising: forming a notch in the indexing ring; and forming aprojection in the anchor assembly that is configured to mate with thenotch.